UAE public holidays 2027 and the trips that fit each break
Expected dates for Eid, National Day and the other 2027 holidays, and the destinations that suit three, four and five-day breaks.
Most UAE holiday searches start with dates: when Eid falls, whether a weekend joins on, and how many days off you'll get. Getting a head start matters, because flights and hotels for the main breaks rise quickly once dates are announced. Here are the expected 2027 public holidays and the trips that fit each break.
Islamic holidays depend on the sighting of the moon, so their final dates are confirmed shortly before each one. The estimates below are based on astronomical calculations published in 2026. We hold flexible options around the expected dates and confirm as soon as they're announced.
Expected public holidays in 2027
| Holiday | Expected date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Friday 1 January | A three-day weekend |
| Eid al-Fitr | Around Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March | Ramadan expected to begin around 8 February |
| Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha | Around Saturday 15 to Tuesday 18 May | Likely the longest break of the year |
| Islamic New Year | Around early June | Often moved to create a long weekend |
| Prophet's Birthday | Around mid August | Often moved to create a long weekend |
| Commemoration Day and National Day | Early December | Usually a four-day weekend |
Islamic holiday dates are estimates, subject to moon sighting and the official announcement. Holidays for government and private sectors are usually aligned but announced separately.
New Year (1 January): three days
A Friday holiday makes a natural three-day weekend. Winter in the region is ideal for Georgia in the snow (Gudauri), Baku, or the Maldives at a speedboat resort. Book by October; New Year is one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Eid al-Fitr (March): three to five days
Early spring is lovely almost everywhere. Ideas:
- Turkey: Istanbul and Cappadocia before the summer heat.
- Japan: the cherry blossom begins in late March, so add a few days' leave for the best chance.
- Thailand, Sri Lanka or Kerala: still dry and pleasant.
- Uzbekistan: Samarkand and Bukhara in spring.
Eid al-Adha (May): four to six days
Potentially the longest break of the year. With a few days' leave, it becomes a full week:
- Switzerland or Central Europe: late spring, before the summer crowds. Apply for the Schengen visa by early April.
- Kazakhstan: green mountains around Almaty.
- Bali: the start of the dry season.
- Armenia and Georgia: wildflowers and mild weather.
Islamic New Year (June) and Prophet's Birthday (August): long weekends
Summer long weekends call for cooler air:
- Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan: three hours away and much cooler in the mountains.
- Salalah: the khareef monsoon turns Oman's south green and misty from July to September.
- Kerala: monsoon season, ideal for Ayurveda.
See summer escapes from the UAE.
National Day (December): four days
Usually the best long weekend of the year, and the start of peak season. Popular choices are the Maldives, Thailand, Georgia for early snow, Vietnam and Kerala. It sells out early, so book by September.
How to make the most of each break
- Add leave to bridge days. One or two days' leave can turn a four-day Eid into nine.
- Book flexible. We hold refundable or changeable options around expected Islamic holiday dates.
- Book early. Flight prices rise fast once the government announces dates.
- Check visas first. A short break leaves no time for a slow visa. Choose a destination that's simple for every passport in the family, or apply early. See visa-free destinations by passport.
- Consider the school calendar. Eid al-Adha and National Day overlap with school holidays some years, which raises demand.
Corporate groups
Long weekends are also popular for team trips and incentives. If you're planning for a team, see planning an incentive trip from the UAE.
See the long-weekend planner and Georgia, Armenia or Azerbaijan?
Questions, answered
When is Eid al-Fitr in 2027 in the UAE?
Expected around Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027, depending on the moon sighting. Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2027?
Expected around Sunday 16 May 2027, with Arafat Day on Saturday 15 May. The exact dates depend on the moon sighting.
What is the longest public holiday in the UAE in 2027?
Eid al-Adha in May is likely to be the longest break, followed by Eid al-Fitr in March and the National Day weekend in December.
Can I book before the Eid dates are confirmed?
Yes. We hold refundable or flexible options around the expected dates and confirm once the official announcement is made.
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